Publishers bid for 'X Factor' Wagner book

Publishers are reportedly locked in a £1million bidding war for X Factor's Wagner Carrilho.

The Brazilian singer - who exited the show on Sunday night - has allegedly been banned from doing any interviews due to fears over what he could say about the show.

According to the Daily Star, publishers now want to sign the "unpredictable" 54-year-old so that he can reveal all - once he is released from his contract following next year's tour.

"There is a lot of interest in exactly what Wagner would say," one told the paper. "Especially as he's been effectively gagged from talking about the show this week.

"What does he know that’s making people so nervous? He lived and breathed that show for months. He's bound to know a lot about the other contestants."

They added: "And he spent a lot of time with people like Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell, so who knows what else he could reveal?"

Despite fears of legal problems that could be caused by any possible revelations by Carrilho, one publishing expert believes that the recent case involving BBC Top Gear's The Stig has "emboldened" publishers.

Danuta Kean, from Brunel University said: "Publishers will throw money at this. But it all depends on what Wagner can say.

"The recent Stig book and court case has changed the playing field."

She continued: "Publishers now feel emboldened that they can take on these confidentiality agreement contracts people are forced to sign so they can't speak out. If he can really reveal new things, and the publisher’s legal team thinks it can be dealt with, it could go for big money.

"We're talking seven figures potentially."

Carrilho could be in a position to choose which publisher he wishes to sign with.

"He'll be the judge for a change," Kean added.